Episode 9: What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman: Exercise is Annoying (‘cos it works): The Psychological and Physical Benefits We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don’t Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The int...
Oct 05, 2021•40 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Episode 10: What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman: The Iron Fist: Fear of Cancer Recurrence We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don’t Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The intention is to have meaningful convers...
Oct 05, 2021•40 min•Season 4Ep. 10
We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about the impact of breast cancer on sexual health. Sex and intimacy are very personal but important parts of life. Breast cancer and treatment can affect sexual wellbeing and intimacy for each person and their partner in different ways, including experiencing loss of self-esteem due to physical changes to your body. Joining us for this episode of Upfront is Tes...
Sep 27, 2021•37 min•Season 3Ep. 35
We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about managing fatigue related to breast cancer treatments. Fatigue is a common side effect of treatments related to breast cancer, particular chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Fatigue doesn’t always go away with rest and sleep and may last for months after treatment is finished, and for people with metastatic breast cancer, lifelong treatment means fatigue associa...
Aug 25, 2021•4 hr 40 min•Season 3Ep. 34
We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about hair loss and breast cancer. Perhaps the most noticeable side effect of some chemotherapy treatments is hair loss. A bald head, especially for women is sometimes the first physical sign that screams ‘cancer patient’. It’s a lot to deal with on top of a diagnosis and whilst it might pale in comparison to a life-threatening illness it has a big impact emotio...
Jul 25, 2021•32 min•Season 3Ep. 33
We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about peripheral neuropathy. The term refers to a loss of sensation, tingling and pain in the hands and feet, which is a side effect of some chemotherapies. Peripheral neuropathy can significantly affect quality of life with pain, loss of balance and impaired sleep. Joining us for this episode of Upfront is Sue Dowe and Dr Kate Webber. Sue underwent extensive tr...
Jun 27, 2021•33 min•Season 3Ep. 32
We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about looking back on a breast cancer experience and talk about some of the things you might wish you had of known. Often described as an emotional rollercoaster, no two breast cancer experiences are the same. A common theme, however, is people reporting the immense adjustment required to adapt to a ‘new normal’ once hospital-based treatment has ended. For some ...
Jun 04, 2021•44 min•Season 3Ep. 31
We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about hereditary breast cancer. It’s widely known that inherited genetic mutations, or faults in genes associated with breast cancer such as BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes, can occur in some families and increase the risk of breast cancer. But what does the term ‘family history’ of breast cancer mean? What does a positive genetic test mean for someone’s breast cancer r...
Feb 22, 2021•38 min•Season 3Ep. 30
We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. We know that cancer is now the biggest killer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and that indigenous women are less likely to survive a breast cancer diagnosis than non-indigenous women. In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Jacinta Elston, an Aboriginal woman from Townsville who has been through breast cancer herself. Jacinta draws on her own lived experience, as w...
Jan 28, 2021•35 min•Season 3Ep. 29
Let’s be Upfront about where we’re at with COVID-19 at the end of what’s been a difficult year for all Australians and our health system. In this special episode of Upfront, BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti is joined by Cancer Australia CEO Dorothy Keefe, who looks back at the impact of the pandemic on the cancer space, potential silver linings to COVID-19 and how we ensure we are equipped to deal with the ongoing effects of the pandemic in a COVID-normal world. We recommend this episode of Upfront is s...
Dec 22, 2020•38 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Let’s be Upfront about the fact that men get breast cancer too. 63 year-old Tasmanian Phil Purnell had no idea that men could get breast cancer when he found a lump in his breast and was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (stage 2 breast cancer) in March. In this episode, Phil shares a candid insight in to his breast cancer journey as a man, which was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also joining us is breast cancer specialist, radiation oncologist and author, Professor John B...
Dec 16, 2020•41 min•Season 2Ep. 28
We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. In this special episode of Upfront About Breast Cancer, we’re joined by federal parliamentarian Peta Murphy MP. Peta was first diagnosed with early breast cancer at age 37, and found out she had metastatic breast cancer nine years later, just two days after she was sworn in to parliament. We invited Peta to put a rear-view lens on her life with breast cancer and write a letter t...
Dec 10, 2020•41 min•Season 2Ep. 27
We recommend listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be upfront about caring for someone with breast cancer. Being a carer can mean many different things, and usually involves providing both practical and emotional support to a loved one. In this episode, we are joined by Joel Domigan, whose wife Jules was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 34, when the couple had just fallen pregnant with their first child. In...
Oct 21, 2020•27 min•Season 2Ep. 26
We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about breast cancer in young women. Well known TV personality and business owner Sally Obermeder was 40 weeks pregnant with her first child when she was diagnosed with triple negative Stage 3 breast cancer. One week after her daughter was born, she returned to hospital to begin chemotherapy. In this episode, Sally speaks candidly about her personal experience; f...
Sep 28, 2020•26 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Let’s be Upfront about ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS. Non-life-threatening and often referred to as ‘stage 0 breast cancer’, the experience and treatment of DCIS can be significant and frightening, so it’s important to understand the facts. There is a lot of confusion about what DCIS is, its inconsistent terminology and why treatment options can be so significant if it’s not actually considered invasive breast cancer. In this episode, we’re joined by Ellis Zonderhuis, who was diagnosed with ...
Sep 10, 2020•28 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Let’s be Upfront about palliative care. To many, those two words prompt fear, and thoughts of death and dying. In reality, palliative care offers so much beyond just end of life care for those living with metastatic breast cancer; focusing on symptom management and ensuring quality of life. In this episode, we’re joined by BCNA Community Liaison Marie Pandeloglou, who, following a breast cancer diagnosis 10 years ago, has been living with metastatic breast cancer for the past five years. Also of...
May 28, 2020•33 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Let’s be Upfront about invasive lobular carcinoma. The second most common form of invasive breast cancer, picking up lobular carcinoma on mammograms can be difficult as they often don’t present as a lump in the breast. In this episode, we’re joined by BCNA board member, surgical oncologist and specialist breast surgeon Professor Bruce Mann to help break down all of the information around invasive lobular carcinoma. This episode covers: What invasive lobular carcinoma is Detection of invasive lob...
May 21, 2020•27 min•Season 2Ep. 22
In this episode, Upfront sits down with Australian Olympic legend and BCNA board member Raelene Boyle AM, MBE. Speaking openly and honestly about her cancer journey, Raelene discusses the mental impact of her breast cancer diagnosis, the experience of survivor guilt, how the darkness can still overwhelm her and the strategies she’s developed over the years to pull herself out of it. This episode takes a deep and personal look at Raelene’s life as well as the important and celebrated role she has...
May 16, 2020•22 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Let’s be Upfront about where we’re at with COVID-19 (coronavirus). With restrictions beginning to ease in some parts of the country, we’re taking a good look at the current situation and what it means for people at different stages of their breast cancer journey. In this episode, we’re joined by BCNA board member, surgical oncologist and specialist breast surgeon Professor Bruce Mann, as well as BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti. This episode covers: The anxiety many women are experiencing about heading ...
May 06, 2020•22 min
Let’s be Upfront about end of life. A topic almost too sad to talk about, but too important not to, palliative care and exploring end of life options are a reality for the 3000 Australians who die of breast cancer each year. While breast cancer survival rates have never been better, little is understood about palliative care and what end of life looks like. Upfront is joined by Jules Domigan, who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 34. Jules, an advocate for talking openly ...
Apr 24, 2020•25 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Let’s be Upfront about breast cancer and diets. There’s always a new one making big promises; juice, keto, fasting. So what’s really important when it comes to your diet and breast cancer? In this episode, we’re joined by Lana Heath who, post-diagnosis, wanted to make changes to her diet but became overwhelmed with all that Dr Google had to offer. Also joining us is accredited and practising dietitian and nutritionist, Lauren Atkins. This episode covers: Motivations for adjusting diets post-diag...
Apr 16, 2020•27 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Let’s be upfront about breast cancer and nutrition. There’s so much information out there, and a lot of conflicting advice. It’s hard to know what foods you should or shouldn’t eat- not to mention the effects of alcohol and breast cancer. Upfront is joined by Lauren Atkins, an accredited and practising dietitian and nutritionist, to debunk a few myths as well provide some great tips on how to stay on top of the latest rumours and research. RESOURCES: Physical activity, healthy eating and breast ...
Mar 31, 2020•31 min•Season 2Ep. 18
This second special episode of Upfront is in response to the constantly-changing coronavirus situation and the challenges many of our members are facing. We’re joined by CEO Kirsten Pilatti and BCNA’s Director of Policy and Advocacy Vicki Durston, to discuss the rapidly-evolving coronavirus situation and the current state of play, provide tips for minimising risk for people with breast cancer as well as provide reassurance for people in our Network who have concerns about their treatment in ligh...
Mar 31, 2020•23 min
Let’s be upfront about the coronavirus and people undergoing cancer treatment. This special episode of Upfront is in response to unprecedented enquiries to BCNA about the coronavirus. We’re joined by BCNA’s Director of Program and Policy, Vicki Durston and one of our Helpline cancer nurses, Riki Long to provide some practical tips for minimising risk and answer some of the common questions we are receiving. RESOURCES: BCNA’s My Journey online tool Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of B...
Mar 17, 2020•21 min
Every day, two young women are told they have breast cancer. Ruth Williams was 38 when she was diagnosed. She talks with host Kellie Curtain about raising two young children, the frustration of buying a wig that was never needed and the time it took to overcome her fear of returning to work. RESOURCES: BCNA's My Journey Online Tool BCNA Online Network Young women and breast cancer Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by Tara Simmons, ...
Feb 04, 2020•27 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Every day, two young women are told they have breast cancer. Ruth Williams was 38 when she was diagnosed. She talks with host Kellie Curtain about raising two young children, the frustration of buying a wig that was never needed and the time it took to overcome her fear of returning to work. RESOURCES: BCNA's My Journey Online Tool BCNA Online Network Young women and breast cancer Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by Tara Simmons, ...
Jan 30, 2020•27 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Every day, two young women are told they have breast cancer. Dimity Paul was 31 when she received her diagnosis. She joins host Kellie Curtain to talk candidly about triple negative breast cancer, going through the breast cancer journey with her mother and likens her recovery to a second bout of puberty. RESOURCES: BCNA's My Journey Online Tool BCNA Online Network Young women and breast cancer Triple negative breast cancer Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Aust...
Jan 16, 2020•31 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Of the 53 people diagnosed with breast cancer every day, two of them are aged under 40. Host Kellie Curtain is joined by Rebecca Bensted, who was 30 when she was diagnosed, who talks about fatigue, why she chose to delay reconstructive surgery and why she’s a superhero to her son. RESOURCES: BCNA's My Journey Online Tool BCNA Online Network Young women and breast cancer Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by Tara Simmons , and this e...
Jan 06, 2020•24 min•Season 2Ep. 15
It's important to consider your lifestyle and what activities you want to be able to do after a breast reconstruction and also how you want to feel. Physiotherapist and researcher Dr Deidre McGhee, and Jodi Steel, who had a breast reconstruction two years ago, join host Kellie Curtain to discuss how to optimise your physical preparation and recovery after breast reconstruction surgery. For more information on physical preparation and recovery after Breast Reconstruction, BCNA has joined with Bre...
Dec 16, 2019•22 min•Season 1Ep. 14
For people who have had cancer, the fear of it recurring can be real and pervasive. In this episode of Upfront About Breast Cancer, host Kellie Curtain talks to breast surgeon Professor Bruce Mann and psychologist Jane Fletcher about how to manage the fear of cancer recurrence, and at what point you should seek further help and advice. RESOURCES: BCNA's My Journey Online Tool BCNA Online Network Fear of cancer recurrence (bcna.org.au) Fear of cancer recurrence (BCNA fact sheet) Upfront About Bre...
Nov 13, 2019•33 sec•Season 1Ep. 13
